Its officially summer for almost everybody and here in Geneva people have already begun to head out to their various vacation hotspots. Unfortunately, times are hard and not everyone can jet off to some fabulous exotic beach for the summer. And even if you do get to go somewhere for the summer, chances are there are gonna be days that you are at lost for what to do. So with this in mind I've come up with a few ways of battling the boring summer blues.

Create your own personal getaway: If you've been blessed with loads of sun but no beach or pool for miles get a beach blanket, towel or lawn chair, some shade and a good read and go out. Even though its just the park or even your own yard, getting out and getting fresh air instantly releases feel-good hormones, not to mention the fact that any kind of fresh air is good for you. When I do this in my yard I usually go the whole nine yards: bikini, large sun hat, a pair of sunglasses and a cool drink but if you are going to be in public and don't want to seem too odd here are some outfit ideas below:

Curl up with a good book/zine and get cosy: Feed your mind! The right book can give a previously dull holiday an instant makeover. Novels and magazines are more acessible and portable than good tv and therefore are generally in high demand this season. You can take them to the park, to a café , to the beach or even to your front yard. And on a rainy day, you can just curl up on your couch (or hotel bed) with it and continue your vacation fun from the comfort of your space. Some of the books I've been loving this summer are:

Princess Diaries: After Eight,To the Nines and Ten out of Ten by Meg Cabot

Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger

Tuesday's Child by Louise Bagshawe

Revenge of The Wedding Planner by Sharon Owens

What You Wear Can Change Your Life by Trinny and Susannah

Numbers 1 through 4 lists books that are generally happy go-lucky, romantic comic yet totally engaging novels. Book 5 is an interesting look into the fashion forward minds of Trinny and Susannah of the show What Not to Wear. Although the book doesn't really focus on the adolescent/young adult demographic it does give a lot of basic style advice that can be applied to females of all ages. Personally, its one of my favorite style books because its written in a witty tone that screams Trinny and Susannah. All in all, these books are light-hearted and fun, which makes them perfect for a bright summer day.

Get out and hit the town: Go to places that you've never been before: Cute, little hidden shops and tourists sites and parks. A lot of people never really see the place that they live in because of the hectic nature of everyday life. Now its summer, you can actually take out the time to see it.

Dive into the cultural tide pool: Visit museums, art galleries, photography and jewelwry exhibitions, and other cultural related stuff. These places can serve as huge sources of inspiration to anyone with an artistc nature including fashionistas. After visits, you can work on a holiday related inspiration book to pull you out of dull phases. Who knows, your next look could be found in a museum near you.

Discover yourself with hobbies and internships: Summer is the perfect time to try your hand at new things, especially stuff that you may have develped an interest in but never really had time to pursue. Take me, for example, I took a digital photography course in school last semester and realized I really like photography. So this summer, I've been taking a summer course in photography for fun. And if you've been exploring the idea of working in the magazine industry, this could be a good time to gather experience. Of course, internships do need a lot of preparation time, organization planning in order to work, but most universities are willing to help with this process.

Do random fun (and sometimes useful) stuff: have a barbeque with friends, do spa days, keep an eye out for free or really cheap festivals, concerts and parties. After all, this is the best time of year for such things and you would amazed by the number of parties and festivals you could find just by looking in the paper or online. And if you're anything like me and the idea of spicing your wardrobe or living space to reflect your style better excites you, this is totally the best time to do it.

Volunteer your Time: Christmas isn't the only time of year people need your help. Instead of vegging out in front of the tv, why not play a part in making this world a better place. You could either work locally, at a nearby orphanage or humanitarian organisation, or you could decide to make a trip out of it and travel out to help people in other places. Either way, you can be ensured that it will definitely be an experience.

So, I really hope that the ideas in this post will add a little spice to your summer holidays. Have fun and Happy Summer!!

Love you all and Stay Inspired,

Aury

P.S. How are you spending your summer holidays? Are you gonna be travelling somewhere exotic or mostly sticking to your homebase? Feel Free to comment below...

During Fashion Week for Spring 2009, the runways were filled with flowy skirts, tunic tops and floral prints in abundance, and soon Boho Chic returned to the stores in style. Stars from Sienna Miller to Kate Hudson have been sporting this gorgeous fun and flirty look this season in a sophisticated and stylish way. In fact this look has become so chic that the maxi dress, a staple piece in every bohemian's wardrobe, has become transformed into an elegant gown that can be worn to any high end event. If u don't believe me, above are some sample pieces from my set on polyvore.com that may change your mind. I know this gorgeous Giorgio Armani Dress definitely changed mine.

But Bohemian Chic is more than just a trend! Its a whole subculture with values and belief systems reflected by the clothes they wear. The Bohemian subculutre, as we know it today, is made up of creative, artsy and individualistic people who have strong opinions and beliefs that they stand up for. They are generally in touch with nature, life and freedom (particularly freedom of expression), and this characteristics are reflected in the way they dress. Whenever I think of the Bohemian sub-culture I think of people that are constantly inspired and strive for peace and contentment. Being creatively-inclined you can see why this totally appeals to me:)I may give more info on how to live a bohemian- inspired lifestyle in a later article.

So...if you want to learn how to rock Boho-Chic right I've got 2 important tips for you. Important tip number 1:Its all about proportion. If the clothes have bright and bold colours stick to rustic gold and metallic jewelry or earthen pieces. If they are basic, simple or neutral then go crazy with bright and bold accessories.Important tip Number 2: There has to be balance in every outfit so if your wearing billowy peasant tops stick to skinnies on the bottom and if your wearing a long and flowy gypsy skirt balance it off with a cute tank or camisole on top. For more tips on wearing this style right go to http://www.apparelworld09.webs.com/Finally,I don't know about you but I LOVE this style!Bohemian Chic speaks to the artist and trendsetter in me. It gives you the freedom to express yourself with colours, textures, fabrics and accessories. If you do the look just right you can come off looking like a work of art. Another reason I love this look is because, when done right, it is extremely forgiving. It can skim over your negatives and emphasize your positives depending on how you wear it. And the key to wearing it right, like all good styles, depends on your knowledge of your self, particularly your shape and colouring ( I will talk more about these in coming weeks).

Love you all and Stay inspired,

Aury

P.S. So what do u think about Boho-Chic? Have u rocked it this season or do u feel this is too much flower power for you? Feel free to tell me what you think in the comments below....

Dearest Devotees, Pain, disappointment, hurt. These are things that no one can avoid in this life, no matter how charmed their exis...

Welcome!

"Come with me,and See this World,Through the eyesof an Ordinary Girl"

An Ordinary Girl's World is a blog for stylish and artistic teens, college students and young adults, creatively finding their way in this world. Its about expressing yourself through your personal style, your lifestyle, your relationships and friendships.This site will feature articles on fashion, love and life in general, with topics ranging from the latest trends in fashion, beauty and lifestyle, personal style, artistic inspiration pieces and real life survival guides.Email address: aury4eva@gmail.com

About Me

Frannie

Hello! I am Frannie a.k.a Frances Anne and I am a 21 year old Catholic Missionary. I am Nigerian but have lived all over the world and I currently live and serve in the U.S. I love God, others and life in general. I bubble over with joy everyday and would love to share my joy with you.